Macao health officials held a video conference with their counterparts in Mainland and Hong Kong this morning to discuss preventive measures against swine influenza, which had spread rapidly and claimed lives in several countries.

They assessed the developments of the virus, shared their knowledge and discussed quarantine arrangements, drugs, vaccine, and speed test for the virus.

They agreed to build a contact list to jointly facilitate information exchanges to help prevent the possible pandemic.

The Director of the Health Bureau, Dr Lei Chin Ion, Director of Hospital Conde S. Januário, Dr Chan Wai Sin, and experts from Macao’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention took part in the meeting.

The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 3 to phase 4 today, which meant that the virus could transmit from human to human, and indicated that the likelihood of a pandemic had increased.

The health authorities continued to urge the health, educational and social welfare institutions and the public to follow the guidelines issued by the Government. Individuals are also asked to maintain good personal hygiene.

A round-the-clock hotline of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, at 853-28561122, has been set up for enquiries.